The Elusive Impact of L2 Immersion on Translation Priming

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: The Elusive Impact of L2 Immersion on Translation Priming
Language: English
Authors: Chaouch-Orozco, Adel (ORCID 0000-0003-0102-1754), González Alonso, Jorge (ORCID 0000-0001-5047-3226), Duñabeitia, Jon Andoni (ORCID 0000-0002-3312-8559), Rothman, Jason
Source: Studies in Second Language Acquisition. May 2023 45(2):393-415.
Availability: Cambridge University Press. 100 Brook Hill Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994. Tel: 800-872-7423; Tel: 845-353-7500; Fax: 845-353-4141; e-mail: subscriptions_newyork@cambridge.org; Web site: https://www.cambridge.org/core/what-we-publish/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 23
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Translation, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Bilingualism, Vocabulary Skills, Psycholinguistics, Language Usage, Priming, Spanish, English (Second Language), Language Proficiency, Comparative Analysis, Native Language, Learning Experience
DOI: 10.1017/S0272263122000249
ISSN: 0272-2631
1470-1545
Abstract: A growing consensus sees the bilingual lexicon as an integrated, nonselective system. However, the way bilingual experience shapes the architecture and functioning of the lexicon is not well understood. This study investigates bilingual lexical-semantic representation and processing employing written translation priming. We focus on the role of active exposure to and use of the second language (L2)--primarily operationalized as immersion. We tested 200 highly proficient Spanish--English bilinguals in two groups differing in their societal language (immersed vs. nonimmersed) and amount of L2 use. L2 proficiency was controlled across participants, allowing us to disentangle its effects from those of L2 use. Overall, however, the immersion's impact on our data was minimal. This suggests a ceiling effect for the influence of active L2 use on bilingual lexical functioning when L2 development is maximal. The present data provide relevant insights into the nature of the bilingual lexicon, informing developmental models.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1378529
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:A growing consensus sees the bilingual lexicon as an integrated, nonselective system. However, the way bilingual experience shapes the architecture and functioning of the lexicon is not well understood. This study investigates bilingual lexical-semantic representation and processing employing written translation priming. We focus on the role of active exposure to and use of the second language (L2)--primarily operationalized as immersion. We tested 200 highly proficient Spanish--English bilinguals in two groups differing in their societal language (immersed vs. nonimmersed) and amount of L2 use. L2 proficiency was controlled across participants, allowing us to disentangle its effects from those of L2 use. Overall, however, the immersion's impact on our data was minimal. This suggests a ceiling effect for the influence of active L2 use on bilingual lexical functioning when L2 development is maximal. The present data provide relevant insights into the nature of the bilingual lexicon, informing developmental models.
ISSN:0272-2631
1470-1545
DOI:10.1017/S0272263122000249